The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of
Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery
efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Dennis beginning on July 10, 2005,
and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. Assistance can include grants
for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured
property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners
recover from the effects of the disaster.

For a period of up to 72 hours, Federal funding is available at 100 percent
of the total eligible costs for emergency protective measures, including
direct Federal assistance. The period of up to 72 hours at 100 percent
excludes debris removal.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation
measures statewide.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D.
Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department
of Homeland Security, named James N. Russo as the Federal Coordinating
Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that more counties and additional forms of assistance may
be designated after the assessments can be completed in the affected areas.

The Agency said that those who sustained losses in the counties designated
for aid to affected individuals and business owners can begin applying for
assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by
calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and
speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a
day, seven days a week until further notice.